By: David H.
Submitted: 2011-11-16 07:41:51 | Word Count: 554
Mumbai is not only the capital of the state of Maharashtra but it is also one of the most progressive cities in the world. It carries a rich legacy of the British Raj in the form of the numerous heritage buildings and monuments which in turn attract a lot of visitors from all over the world. Over the years, many more new structures have been added to it.
It is a city which has numerous museums some of which have been renamed after the country gained independence. Some of them have been built after Independence only. All these places reflect the various phases through which the city had undergone changes. They also have many such artifacts which trace the development phases of the city.
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Some of them are in keeping with the modern times and are dedicated to the current issues and the research that is being done in that particular field. For example, one of the museums highlights the life of the commercial sex workers and also works towards AIDS awareness.
Some of the popular sites in the city could be mentioned as follows:
Victoria & Albert Museum: Victoria Gardens assume an important place in the city which was laid out in 1861. The gardens also house the Bombay Zoo and the Victoria & Albert Museum which has now been renamed as Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum after the proponent of the original name. Maps, photographs and archaeological finds are on display here. It has exhibits related to the industrial and agricultural advancements.
Bombay Natural History Society was founded in 1883. The main aim was to discuss observations on natural history and exhibit interesting specimens. In the present times, BNHS is the largest non-governmental organization which undertakes conservation of nature and natural resources, education and research in natural history. The membership of this society extends up to 30 countries and the main focus is on conservation based on scientific research. There is a beautiful collection of beetles, butterflies and embalmed reptiles.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vaastu Sangrahalaya was originally called the Prince of Wales Museum. It was set up in the beginning of the 20th century on the initiative of some prominent Mumbai residents. This was done to honor the visit of King George V's visit to India whoc was still the Prince of Wales. This building is located in the middle of South Mumbai close to the Gateway of India. It was designed by George Wittet who later on also designed the Gateway. This is one of the best museums in the entire country. There are three sections namely, Art, Archaeology and Natural History. There is an excellent collection of rare artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization and also from the Gupta and Maurya period.
BEST Transport Museum is located near Wadala's Anik Milk Depot and features amateur mini models of BEST buses and trams. Even though it has become a bit dilapidated, yet there are enough visitors to this place. Many people do not know about it including the city's well travelled BEST conductors.
Mani Bhawan is dedicated to the memories of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. During the freedom struggle he had stayed in this place whenever he visited the city between 1917–34. It is located on Laburnam Road in the vicinity of the August Kranti Maidan where the Quit India Movement was started.
